Thai resort city cracks down on prostitution ahead of USS Abraham Lincoln arrival

Ahead of the USS Abraham Lincoln’s arrival near Pattaya, Thailand, local police have launched a crackdown on prostitution as roughly 5,000 U.S. sailors and Marines are set to dock for shore leave. The carrier arrived Wednesday alongside two other naval vessels in one of Thailand’s best-known nightlife areas. Pattaya police chief Anek Srathongyoo said enforcement is “difficult,” citing increased patrols on beachfront and in nightlife zones, plus weekend raids targeting suspected prostitution. While prostitution is illegal in Thailand, the report notes Pattaya and Bangkok are long associated with sex tourism. The Lincoln left San Diego in November and was diverted to the Middle East during the U.S.-Iran conflict.